Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Love This Car - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By V8 t bird - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car.I have owned this car sence 1997 with 47000 miles on it.I have the 5.0 V8 and Enjoy driving this car tremindously. Small problems here and there, until recantly nothing major. The heater core and transmisson just went and I like the car enough to put $2000 into it.

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  Takes a beating well - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By OffRoader - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Five years later I still LOVE it! In the beginning I was a normal driver, then the offroad bug bit me. Great aftermarket support for parts, accesories & upgrades. Most people wouldnt believe what these trucks have been thru in the RRORC off road club Im part of. The 3.73 gears w/rear limited slip is a blast. Dana 35 TTB front & 8.8 rear axles have taken such abuse very well. Ive hauled countless heavy loads easily. Stepside bed too narrow for 4x8 sheets to lay flat. Supercab is a must for tall people & holds plenty of stuff. With great bucket seats, tilt, cruise, a/c, pwr mirrors, pwr locks & windows this truck is the best of both worlds!

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  cars - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Minniecarp - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car it is everything I ever wanted

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  Big Mistake - 2000 Ford Focus
  By GrandOwl - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Since buying my Focus new off the dealers lot, Ive had to endure five recalls, a cracked windshield, both back windows breaking, a wiring problem which caused the windshield wipers not to work (the windshield broke again during their attempt to fix that), a defect in the engine, a crack in the A/C line, and a defective passenger- side speaker that still only works 40% of the time after numerous repair attempts. While the design is great, the building materials and workmanship are sub-par (my back windows broke because the bracket which holds the windows in place is made out of cheap plastic which breaks if you must go over speed bumps daily).

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  Money well spent - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Lynn Campbell - April 1 - 10:00 am

  We went from the Ford Expedition to the Excurison just a few months ago. After trying the GMC and Chevy large size SUVs we went right back to the Ford. The handing and towing ability keeps us coming back. The new trasmission is out of this world! All I can say is...try it..youll buy it!!

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  what more could i want? - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By regor etoc - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I did not buy this as a "performance" vehicle, and with the versatility of the truck-suv-touring car, I can not fault it at all. Love the ride and comfort on long 500 mile + trips, the fuel milage is better than my better halfs Liberty. The four wheel drive works very well, brakes could use an upgrade. There are many aftermarket items to sport it up, michelin tires make all the difference over the original goodyears. Needed new ball joints after 20,000 miles, original ones not sealed properly.

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  LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bayouboy26 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  HAVE HAD SEVERAL SMALL PROBLEMS: FRONT BEARINGS CHANGED, HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT (TOGETHER),PEELING INTERIOR TRIM FINISH. 4.10 REAR IS GEARED TOO LOW. NOT ENOUGH POWER IN 4WD HIGH. HORRIBLE GAS MILAGE. RIDES LIKE CRAP. HOWEVER, THERE IS NOTHING THIS VEHICLE CANNOT DO. IT MAY NOT DO A GREAT JOB AT ANYTHING, BUT IT WILL ACCOMPLISH ANY TASK YOU CAN THROW AT IT. THE MOST DISSAPPOINTING FEATURE OF THIS VEHICLE IS THAT WITH A LITTLE MORE REFINEMENT, FORD COULD HAVE HAD A TRUELLY UNIQUE WORLD CLASS VEHICLE WITHOUT RIVAL. SO CLOSE,YET SO FAR AWAY.IN ADDITION, THE HORRIBLE RESALE VALUE MAKES GETTING OUT OF ONE DIFFICULT.

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  Amazing truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Filterec - April 1 - 10:00 am

  If only it could be modified without voiding the warranty!!!! This truck acts more like a car in its behavior, and less like a truck. Will not part with it until the new one comes out.

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  Above average - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Ford Daddy - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Initial gas mileage high but leveled off. Had a problem with passenger door rattling, but other than that I have had an overall good experience so far

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  Noel F-150 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Noel - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Will by another one in the furture. Love the full 4 Doors, 6 CD Changer. Villa Ford was very helpful in getting me in this truck the same day I walked on the lot.